Erdogan: Certainly There Is A Long Way In Front Of Us

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking about EU's setting a date for Turkey to start full membership negotiations, stated on Saturday that, ''certainly, there is long and difficult roads in front of us. But don't forget that Turkey has turned the critical junction.''
     Speaking at a celebration held in Kizilay Square, Erdogan said, ''this is not only the success of us as the government, it is at the same time the success of our nation. Everything is for Turkey.''
     Erdogan said, ''thanks God, we got the date as October 3rd, 2005 on the way we have set off for the contemporary Turkey. We wish it to be beneficial for Turkey.''
     Stating that Turkey has been exerting efforts since 1963 on the way to EU membership, Erdogan said many leaders made efforts within this process.
     ''Undoubtedly, we have reached to a point step by step. Many things were discussed. I thank everybody as the Prime Minister of the 59th government. This is not only the success of us, but the success of our nation. We succeeded in this with your support,'' Erdogan said.
     ''Certainly, there are long and difficult roads in front of us. However, don't forget that Turkey has turned the critical junction. Every effort and every step we take will provide a new success in Turkey. From now on, democracy will have a different meaning and human rights and freedoms will be practiced in a more meaningful manner, the economy will perform better. By this, Turkey will take its rightful place among modern and civilized countries,'' he added.
    
     (AY)
2004-12-18